Overview of XCS10XL-5TQ144C FPGA
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C is a member of the renowned Xilinx Spartan-XL FPGA family, designed to deliver exceptional performance for high-volume production applications. This field-programmable gate array offers an optimal balance between cost-effectiveness and functionality, making it an ideal choice for ASIC replacement in systems requiring up to 10,000 gates.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XCS10XL-5TQ144C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (now AMD) |
| FPGA Family |
Spartan-XL |
| Logic Gates |
10,000 Gates |
| Logic Cells |
466 Cells |
| Maximum Frequency |
250 MHz |
| Operating Voltage |
3.3V |
| Package Type |
144-Pin TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack) |
| RoHS Compliance |
Yes (Lead-free) |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial Grade |
Technical Features and Capabilities
Advanced Architecture Design
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C leverages the proven XC4000 architecture, providing designers with a robust platform for implementing complex digital logic. The device features 466 configurable logic blocks arranged in a matrix of routing channels, enabling flexible signal routing and efficient resource utilization.
Performance Characteristics
| Performance Metric |
Value |
| System Clock Rate |
Exceeds 80 MHz |
| Internal Performance |
Up to 250 MHz |
| Speed Grade |
-5 (Highest Performance) |
| I/O Pins |
144 Pins |
| On-Chip RAM |
Edge-triggered single and dual-port |
Memory and Logic Resources
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C incorporates on-chip RAM capabilities that provide designers with flexible memory solutions. The configurable logic blocks can be programmed to function as RAM arrays, offering versatile data storage options without external memory components.
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Applications
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C finds extensive use in industrial electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems, where reliability and reprogrammability are essential. The device’s robust architecture ensures consistent performance in demanding industrial environments.
Automotive Systems
Automotive infotainment and cluster applications benefit from the XCS10XL-5TQ144C’s high-performance capabilities. The FPGA’s ability to handle complex signal processing makes it suitable for modern vehicle electronics.
Consumer Electronics
| Application Domain |
Key Benefits |
| Gaming Devices |
High-speed logic processing |
| Personal Electronics |
Low power consumption at 3.3V |
| Connected Peripherals |
Flexible I/O configuration |
| Communication Equipment |
Fast signal routing |
Professional and Commercial Systems
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C excels in wireless infrastructure, grid infrastructure, enterprise systems, and data center applications where programmable logic provides competitive advantages over fixed-function ASICs.
Why Choose XCS10XL-5TQ144C?
Cost-Effective ASIC Replacement
The Spartan-XL family was specifically engineered to provide prices that approach and in many cases are equivalent to mask programmed ASIC devices in high volumes. This makes the XCS10XL-5TQ144C an economically attractive solution for production volumes exceeding 50,000 units.
Design Flexibility Benefits
| Advantage |
Description |
| Rapid Prototyping |
Eliminate lengthy ASIC development cycles |
| Field Updates |
Reprogram logic without hardware changes |
| Risk Reduction |
Avoid the inherent risks of mask-programmed devices |
| Time-to-Market |
Accelerate product development timelines |
Enhanced Feature Set
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C includes advanced features typically found only in higher-end FPGAs, including fast carry logic for arithmetic operations, clock enables on all flip-flops, and dedicated global clock distribution networks.
Technical Advantages for Design Engineers
Fast Carry Logic Implementation
The device features dedicated carry circuitry so efficient that conventional speed-up methods become unnecessary even at the 16-bit level. This capability significantly accelerates arithmetic and counting functions, making the XCS10XL-5TQ144C ideal for applications requiring high-speed calculations.
Flexible Routing Architecture
The symmetrical and regular architecture ensures optimal placement and routing, with inputs, outputs, and function generators able to swap positions to avoid routing congestion during implementation.
Clock Distribution System
| Clock Feature |
Capability |
| Global Networks |
Dedicated low-skew clock distribution |
| System Clock Rate |
>80 MHz stable operation |
| Clock Management |
Built-in clock buffers (BUFGLS) |
| Flexibility |
Local interconnect clock sourcing |
Package and Physical Specifications
TQFP Package Details
The 144-pin TQFP package offers an excellent balance between I/O density and ease of PCB layout. The thin profile makes it suitable for space-constrained applications while maintaining accessibility for manufacturing and rework processes.
| Physical Parameter |
Detail |
| Package Style |
Plastic TQFP-144 |
| Pin Count |
144 pins |
| Body Thickness |
Thin profile for compact designs |
| Lead Pitch |
Standard TQFP spacing |
| Thermal Performance |
Commercial temperature range |
Environmental Compliance
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C meets RoHS compliance standards, ensuring it is lead-free and suitable for global markets with strict environmental regulations.
Integration with Xilinx FPGA Development Tools
Software Support
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite, providing comprehensive tools for design entry, synthesis, implementation, and programming. Designers benefit from extensive IP cores, simulation tools, and timing analysis capabilities.
Development Resources
| Resource Type |
Availability |
| Datasheets |
Complete technical documentation |
| BSDL Files |
Boundary scan support files |
| PCB Footprints |
Standard CAD library symbols |
| Reference Designs |
Application-specific examples |
| Technical Support |
Comprehensive documentation library |
Comparison with Similar Devices
Spartan-XL Family Positioning
| Device |
Gates |
Cells |
Speed Grade |
Frequency |
| XCS05XL |
5,000 |
238 |
-3 to -5 |
Up to 200 MHz |
| XCS10XL-5TQ144C |
10,000 |
466 |
-5 |
250 MHz |
| XCS20XL |
20,000 |
950 |
-3 to -5 |
Up to 250 MHz |
| XCS30XL |
30,000 |
1,368 |
-3 to -5 |
Up to 250 MHz |
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C occupies the middle ground in the Spartan-XL family, providing sufficient resources for moderate complexity designs while maintaining cost efficiency.
Procurement and Availability
Product Status
While the XCS10XL-5TQ144C is considered a mature product, it remains available through authorized distributors and electronics component suppliers. Engineers should verify current availability and consider newer alternatives for designs requiring long-term production runs.
Quality Assurance
| Quality Parameter |
Standard |
| RoHS Compliance |
Lead-free certified |
| REACH Compliance |
Not compliant (legacy product) |
| ECCN Code |
EAR99 |
| Part Life Cycle |
Obsolete status (check alternatives) |
Design Considerations
Power Management
Operating at 3.3V, the XCS10XL-5TQ144C offers reasonable power efficiency for its generation. Designers should implement proper decoupling capacitors and power supply filtering to ensure stable operation at maximum clock frequencies.
Thermal Management
| Thermal Parameter |
Recommendation |
| Junction Temperature |
Monitor during high-frequency operation |
| Package Thermal Resistance |
Refer to datasheet for θJA values |
| Cooling Requirements |
Natural convection often sufficient |
| Board Layout |
Ensure adequate ground plane coverage |
Signal Integrity
The TQFP package requires careful PCB layout attention to maintain signal integrity, particularly for high-speed signals. Proper impedance matching and trace length control are essential for optimal performance.
Future-Proofing Your Design
Migration Path
While the XCS10XL-5TQ144C provides excellent performance for legacy applications, designers planning new products should evaluate modern Xilinx FPGA families for enhanced capabilities, lower power consumption, and extended lifecycle support.
Alternative Solutions
| Modern Alternative |
Key Advantages |
| Spartan-7 Family |
Lower power, more resources |
| Artix-7 Family |
Higher performance, DSP blocks |
| Spartan UltraScale+ |
Advanced I/O, security features |
Conclusion
The XCS10XL-5TQ144C represents a proven solution for applications requiring programmable logic with moderate gate counts and high-performance operation. Its combination of 10,000 gates, 250 MHz operation, and cost-effective pricing makes it suitable for high-volume production where flexibility and reliability are paramount.
For engineers seeking a reliable FPGA for ASIC replacement, industrial control, automotive systems, or consumer electronics, the XCS10XL-5TQ144C delivers time-tested performance backed by comprehensive development tools and documentation.
